Wirral
Wirral's elderly population is higher
than the national average and is
growing.
This group is particularly vulnerable
to fire, with a large proportion of
Wirral’s fire fatalities over the last 10
years occurring within the over 70
age group. Additionally, 34% of over
65-year-olds live alone in Wirral, a
factor which also increases fire risk.
There is also a higher prevalence of
severe mental illness, alcohol and
drug misuse in Wirral, and high
incidence of fuel poverty and
dementia. All of these issues increase
risk of fire significantly in the home.
Alcohol and mental health issues,
however, are not isolated to the
more deprived wards and a number
of related, serious fires have
occurred in more affluent areas in
recent years, in particular in the
homes of middle aged occupants
who live alone.
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